hunterdon county breaking news

Stella Kanach, age 100 year

Stella Kanach, age 100 years, of Reaville, NJ, died Monday, May 25, 2015, at her home.

Stella was born July 7, 1914, to Julian and Matilda Zenczak Kowalski, in Elizabeth, NJ. Stella’s father was a butcher and her parents ran a grocery store on Grier Avenue in Elizabeth. In 1928 Stella’s parents moved to a farm on Pleasant Run Road between Neshanic Station and Centerville, NJ. It was here, at not quite eighteen years of age that Stella met and married Joseph Kanach. Joseph’s parents, Molly and John Kanach owned a farm in Flagtown, NJ. Stella and Joseph, who passed away in 1964, bought their own farm in Reaville, NJ in 1934 where they raised a family of six children. Although Stella spent her early years in Elizabeth, she loved farm life. As a young wife, she worked side by side with her husband, Joe. From milking cows and raising chickens to gardening, Stella did it all.

In recent years, Stella could be found on her sun porch, visiting with family and friends. There she could also enjoy the views of her flower gardens and the daily activities of the working farm.

Stella was pre-deceased by her parents, Julian and Matilda Zenczak Kowalski, her husband, Joseph, her sons, Julian and Thomas, daughter-in-law, Joyce (Hoffman) Kanach, her grandson, Daryl Kanach, sisters, Jean (Kowalski) Zielinski and Lucy (Kowalski) Kowal. She is survived by her sons, John and Gerald Kanach, both of Reaville, NJ daughters, Joan Kanach Alles of Wyalusing, PA. and Janet Kanach Bosshard of Manasquan, NJ, her sister Lena ( Kowalski) Reale of Hillsborough, NJ., twelve grandchildren; twenty-eight great grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren. Also surviving are many nieces and nephews.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be held Friday, May 29, 2015, at 10:30 AM in St. Magdalen Church, 105 Mine Street, Flemington, NJ, followed by interment in St. Magdalen Cemetery, Flemington, NJ. Calling hours will be Thursday 2:00-4:00 PM and 7:00-9:00 PM at Holcombe-Fisher Funeral Home, 147 Main Street, Flemington, NJ. Memorial contributions may be made to Amwell Valley Rescue Squad, PO Box 147, Ringoes, NJ 08551

For further information or to send an online condolence, please visit www.holcombefisher.com..